24 Medal of Honor recipients honored

February 21, 2014

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Medal of Honor nominee Joe R. Baldonado was born in Colorado, Aug. 28, 1930.
He joined the U.S. Army as a light weapons infantryman (parachutist) during the Korean War.
Baldonado distinguished himself on Nov. 25, 1950, while serving as a machine-gunner in the vicinity of Kangdong, Korea. Baldonadoâ€™â€™s platoon was occupying Hill 171 when the enemy attacked, attempting to take their position. Baldonado held an exposed position, cutting down wave after wave of enemy troops even as they targeted attacks on his position. During the final assault by the enemy, a grenade landed near Baldanadoâ€™s gun, killing him instantly. His remains still have not been found.
Baldonadoâ€™s acts of bravery were briefly described in a book, "Disaster in Korea: The Chinese Confront MacArthur."
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Baldonado received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal.

23of25

Medal of Honor nominee Joe R. Baldonado was born in Colorado, Aug. 28, 1930.
He joined the U.S. Army as a light weapons infantryman (parachutist) during the Korean War.
Baldonado distinguished himself on Nov. 25, 1950, while serving as a machine-gunner in the vicinity of Kangdong, Korea. Baldonadoâ€™â€™s platoon was occupying Hill 171 when the enemy attacked, attempting to take their position. Baldonado held an exposed position, cutting down wave after wave of enemy troops even as they targeted attacks on his position. During the final assault by the enemy, a grenade landed near Baldanadoâ€™s gun, killing him instantly. His remains still have not been found.
Baldonadoâ€™s acts of bravery were briefly described in a book, "Disaster in Korea: The Chinese Confront MacArthur."
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Baldonado received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal.